Inside Aromatherapy
Ranging from pharmcokinetics through olfaction to stress management, this course has something for everyone who loves essential oils
Enroll in Course
We start with a consideration of the chemical composition of essential oils, and then follow the journey the essential oil molecules take as they enter the body. Did you know that essential oils interact with our cells, either on the membrane receptors, or by absorbing across into the cellular interior to block or promote cellular molecular reactions, such as the cascade of inflammatory cytokines? Liver metabolism, drug interactions, toxicity of certain EO chemicals, application methods and their likely efficacy are also discussed. To lighten the mood, we take a look at olfaction, stress management and why we might consider using blends of oils, rather than single oils. Dr Joy presents her opinion on why EOs might be better applied to the body rather than put into bath water, and looks at two instances of over-the-counter medicines incorporating essential oils as their active ingredients. What's the evidence for... and against... such usage?
Your Instructor
Dr E. Joy Bowles is an author, educator and researcher, best known for her contribution to the understanding of essential oil chemistry in the aromatherapy community. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Organic Chemistry and Cell Biology, she developed the first course in essential oil chemistry in Australia in 1991. In 2007 she gained her PhD on the effect of essential oils on cognitive function in dementia, but her academic career went on hold for a period of motherhood and working for 10 years in chronic disease management, Joy returned to share her chemistry and pharmacology understanding with a new generation of essential oil enthusiasts, aromatherapists and health practitioners. A more detailed biography can be found here https://ejoybowles.com/bio.html#/
Publications
"The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils" (Allen and Unwin, 2003, Routledge 2020) is still used in many aromatherapy courses around the world, and is being translated into other languages.
“Dr Joy’s Aromatherapy: Use essential oils with confidence for psyche, skin, medicine and health” (Diem Capta Books, 2020) is her current statement about the three main ways of using essential oils, and the different quality of education, research and evidence required to safely use them.
Journal articles in Aromatherapy Today magazine and International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapists.
Academic publications here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joy-Bowles-2